How to Watch & Listen
Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 6 • 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium (81,500) — Clemson, S.C.
TV: ACC Network — Chris Cotter (pxp), Max Browne (analyst), Kendra Douglas (sideline)
Streaming: ACC Network via the ESPN app or authenticated provider
Radio (Clemson Athletic Network): Don Munson, Tim Bourret, Reggie Merriweather
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM 111 or 193
Game Center
Matchup: MSON (0–1, 0–0 ACC) vs. TROY (1–0, 0–0 Sun Belt)
Series: Clemson leads 2–0 (both at home)
Last meeting: Sept. 10, 2016 — Clemson 30, Troy 24
Streak: Clemson W2
Fast Facts (Clemson)
- National Titles: 1981, 2016, 2018
- Conference Titles: 28
- CFP Berths: 7
- Bowl Appearances: 51
- Home since CFP era: 70–6 at Death Valley
10 Storylines You Need to Know
- Bounce-Back DNAThe Tigers fell 17–10 to No. 9 LSU after a late red-zone drive came up short, but Dabo Swinney teams have historically responded. Clemson is 37–10 following losses in his tenure and looking to reset before ACC play.
- Tom Allen’s Day 1 ImpactIn the first game under the new DC, Ronan Hanafin posted a team-high 12 tackles in his first career start, and Sammy Brown added 11. Clemson was one of just 11 teams nationally in Weeks 0–1 to have two different defenders hit double figures in tackles.
- Takeaway TrendClemson forced two fumbles vs. LSU. Avieon Terrell (a Thorpe Award candidate) produced his 4th career forced fumble—most by a Clemson DB since Byron Maxwell (2007–10). The Tigers have lost the turnover margin only once in their last 20 games and are chasing a 15th straight game at even or better.
- Snap-Count Iron Man WatchSenior RT Blake Miller has started all 42 games of his career (since 2022). With 47 snaps Saturday, he’ll join the exclusive 3,000 career snaps club alongside Mitch Hyatt, Will Putnam, Dalton Freeman, Landon Walker, Kyle Young and Glenn Rountree.
- Cade Klubnik’s Record ChasesNeeds 90 passing yards to reach 7,500 career — only the 5th Clemson QB to do it (Boyd, Watson, Lawrence, Whitehurst).One more 300-yard game ties Charlie Whitehurst for 4th-most in school history (8).Has 200+ total yards in 14 straight; can extend his school-record streak to 15.His next win would make him the 11th Clemson QB with 20 career victories since WWII.
- The Rushing TD Streak (and the Troy Twist)Clemson has rushed for a touchdown in 61 straight home games, the longest active streak in the nation. The last time the Tigers didn’t rush for one in Death Valley? Troy in 2016. File that under “subplots to watch.”
- Sun Belt SuccessClemson is 12–0 all-time vs. Sun Belt teams and 2–0 vs. Troy. Since 2011, the Tigers are 45–10 in regular-season non-conference games and 41–6 at home vs. non-league foes under Swinney.
- New Head Coach TrendTroy’s Gerad Parker (facing Clemson for the first time) is one of four first-time opposing head coaches on the schedule. Clemson is 170–75–3 all-time when facing a coach for the first time, including 53–9 since 2011.
- Sack & Strip WatchT.J. Parker (16.5 career sacks) needs 4 to crack Clemson’s Top 10. One more forced fumble would tie Levon Kirkland/Keith Adams/Vic Beasley for 7th on the career list.Avieon Terrell can become the first Clemson DB since Byron Maxwell with 5+ career forced fumbles.
- Antonio Williams MilestonesThe veteran WR needs 1 TD catch to join Clemson’s Top 10 for career receiving TDs (18) and 9 receptions to enter the Top 10 in career catches (162).
Why It Matters
- Avoiding a Home Skid: Clemson hasn’t lost three straight at home since 2001.
- Momentum Before the ACC Grind: Georgia Tech looms next week; Troy is the last tune-up before a run of league tests.
- Identity Check: Can the offense finish drives after stalling late vs. LSU? Can Allen’s defense stack takeaways and negative plays?
Series Snapshot
- 2011: Clemson 43, Troy 19 — a second-half avalanche (30–3) kicked off a title season.
- 2016: Clemson 30, Troy 24 — a one-score escape en route to the national championship; yes, that game without a Clemson rushing TD at home.
Gameday Extras
Theme Days: Football Reunion Day & P.A.W. Journey Day (leadership and life-skills initiative under Jeff Davis).
SiriusXM: 111 or 193 for the satellite crew.
Final Word (ESPN-style Take)
This is a response game. Expect Clemson to lean on its front seven, ride the turnover mojo, and give Klubnik early rhythm throws to unlock explosives to Antonio Williams & Co. Troy has history making Clemson sweat in Death Valley, but the Tigers’ bounce-back profile under Swinney—and a defense already flashing under Tom Allen—tips this toward orange.